Tzedek-Tzedek

  Abuse and sex crimes cases are vastly under -reported to the police .  This is true of all countries and all communities. There are numerous reasons for this, but a major factor is fear . Abusers, by definition, are more powerful than their victims, and most victims are therefore too intimidated by their abusers to bring a formal report to the authorities. Indeed, in most cases, abuse and sex-crime victims do not tell anyone at all. It is therefore noteworthy that ex-President Moshe Katsav, who was sentenced today to 7 years in prison for rape and other crimes, will also be spending some of his time in prison for these two crimes: witness harassment and obstruction of justice. If reporting of abuse and sex crimes by the victims is going to become the rule, rather than the exception, then the balance of fear must change . All abusers and all “enablers” (those who protect the abusers) will need to be more fearful of the law and the consequences of intimidating their vict...

On 23rd February, several well known National Religious rabbis sent a letter of support to ex-President of Israel, Moshe Katsav. Katsav, who resigned from the Presidency in scandal, was subsequently found guilty on two counts of rape, obstructing justice and other charges on 30th December 2010. Katsav is currently awaiting sentencing, which is widely expected to include a prison term. “To our country’s former president, fear not because the truth will come out,” the letter begins. “And even if it takes it’s time, it will be revealed, and all those who pursue lies will be ashamed, the rabbis wrote. “All of the people of Zion are sighing and groaning under the burden of the poisonous media, waiting for the return of pureness to our public life and hoping for the day when the injustice will be removed and the truth will come out – and then many, many people will be redeemed and rejoice with you.”  The letter was signed by Rav Shlomo Aviner from Beit El, Rabbi Zvi Tau, dean of ...

While horrified and shocked by the severity of the crimes committed by our ex-President, Moshe Katsav, Magen applauds the justice system which enabled the victims to be heard, represented and prevail, even against the highest ranking official in Israel. In abuse cases, in the eyes of the victim, every abuser is 'presidential': more powerful, higher status, stronger, intimidating and more credible than the victim. That is why the overwhelming majority of abuse victims do not bring official complaints - and indeed do not speak at all of the crimes against them. Magen hopes that the Katsav case will strengthen all abuse victims, and encourage them to voice their pain, and to report the crimes committed against them to the authorities. The Katsav verdict is a powerful victory for the Israeli legal system, and for abuse victims everywhere. Magen    --- "Magen" - Creating a Safer Community for Kids Magen is the new child protection organization of Bet She...

Today Israel is reeling in shock from the Moshe Katsav guilty verdict. Like everyone else, my initial reaction to this first-impact shock is transient, and is unlikely to resemble my thoughts and feelings in a week, a month or a year. That said, here we go… The victims were heard. Even above the voice of Moshe Katsav, the President of Israel himself, his expensive lawyers, Establishment support and hitherto popularity. A mere secretary, and an 18 year old national service volunteer, had the tremendous guts to accuse the most prestigious man in the country of disgusting crimes - but for which there were no other witnesses. Her word, against His. On this absolutely uneven playing field, these women stuck to their guns, and remarkably the legal system found their word to be true, and Him to be a liar and sex offender. This represents a tremendous Victory for Sex Abuse Victims Everywhere. It also is a remarkable victory for Israel’s system of Justice. The Presiden...

Two high profile cases in Israel have spotlighted the issue of proving sex crimes. Judging such cases is a challenge which has existed for thousands of years, and is discussed in the week’s Torah portion (Vayeshev).   Major General Uri Bar-Lev is a top candidate to be Israel ’s next Police Commissioner, the top dog in the Police hierarchy. This career move has been challenged, and probably successfully torpedoed, as a result of allegations against Bar-Lev of sex crimes, brought by two women, one of whom has gone public – Dr Orly Innes. Lurid narratives have been published pointing to Bar-Lev’s alleged rape of Dr Innes, and of a still-anonymous second woman (“M”). On the other hand, Bar-Lev’s defenders have alleged these relationships were consenting – indeed a ménage a trois.        Meantime, the spotlight is also returning to the lingering case of ex-President of Israel , Moshe Katsav. After two years of scandal and allegations, Moshe Katsav's t...